Portable food warming device

ABSTRACT

A portable food warmer especially suited for warming baby bottles, soups, saki, and the like is provided. A first receptacle is provided for receiving fuel, preferably a fuel cartridge of butane or other hydrocarbon fuel. A second receptacle is provided to receive a container of food, and a fuel pathway lies between the first and second receptacles; one end is in communication with the first receptacle, and the other end is in thermal communication with the second receptacle (e.g., immediately below it). A timer is coupled to the fuel pathway which selectively allows the flow of fuel along the fuel pathway from the first receptacle to the second receptacle for a predetermined period of time, where it is burned to heat the food. The warmer may utilize an electric heating element instead of fuel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to heating devices, and more specifically,the invention relates to baby bottle warming devices.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Many food items are refrigerated to preserve their freshness andretard bacterial growth. Infant formula and baby food is no exception.However, infants and babies typically consume all of their nourishmentat or near body temperature. It is preferred not to give a very youngchild food straight from the refrigerator, as it may upset his stomachand startle him. Of course, when a child is crying for food, one mustheat up the food quickly to calm the child. Yet one must avoidoverheating the food, lest the child then commence crying from bums tohis mouth and throat. Heating infant and baby food in a microwave ovenis ill-advised, since microwave heating is typically uneven and can leadto hot spots in either the food or its container (which can burn thechild).

[0005] Hence, a number of different devices have been developed to warmbaby bottles in a rapid manner without yielding hot spots in the food orcontainer. For example, AVENT (a UK Corporation) sells the Expressbottle and baby food warmer. The Express utilizes an electric heatingelement to impart heat to a basket in which a bottle or jar of baby foodis placed, in water. A dial is provided, in theory to control thetemperature of the heating element and thus the water bath. A lightturns on when the device is plugged in and turns off when the heatingelement reaches a certain temperature. Essentially, the AVENT devicefunctions like a small electric tea kettle.

[0006] The AVENT device is flawed for a number of reasons. First, thedevice is not portable; it cannot be used outside of the home, since itrequires an electric outlet. Second, it does not have a meaningful wayto insure that the bottle or baby food does not become overheated andthus dangerous to the child. The Express includes a light, however thelight merely informs the user when the device is drawing current toraise the temperature of the heating element. When the light goes off,the heating element is still quite hot, and the bottle and its contentscontinue to absorb heat therefrom. Consequently, leaving the deviceunattended, even for a minute, can result in an overly hot bottle/jar.The AVENT device does not even have an on-off switch; when one plugs itin, it begins operating and continues operating until unplugged. Thus,there is no way to insure that the food being heated is not dangerouslyhot without standing in the vicinity of the device and periodicallytesting the temperature of the food.

[0007] Two similar devices are marketed by THE FIRST YEARS company: TheQuick Serve bottle warmer, and the Night & Day bottle warmer. Bothproducts function to heat bottles and jars in the same manner. Water isadded to the warming chamber, and the bottle is placed in a basket inthe warming chamber. A heating element in the device boils the water,and the resultant steam heats the bottle or jar. When the water hasboiled below a certain level, the heating element is deactivated.

[0008] These devices also suffer from deficiencies. As with the AVENTdevice, they are not portable and depend on an electrical outlet forpower. Further, although the THE FIRST YEARS devices do shut off at somepoint, they depend on the user to add the proper amount of water inorder for them to shut off in a timely fashion. Parents of infantsfrequently need to heat food in the middle of the night at a moment'snotice; relying on a person's ability to measure water under suchconditions is ill-advised and unreliable.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,165 Creighton et al. (the teachings of whichare herein incorporated by reference) discloses a baby bottle warmer inwhich release of a solution causes an exothermic reaction to generateheated gas to warm the bottle. A solution release mechanism includes anupper unit, a lower unit, and a solution container therebetween. Amagnesium wafer is situated below the solution release mechanism so thatthe released solution flows downward and into contact with the wafer.Because the reaction is a chemical reaction, it is difficult to controlhow much heat is generated and thus how hot the bottle will get.

[0010] The instant assignee owns several U.S. patents for cordlessheated appliances: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,699,123; 4,733,651; 4,815,441; and4,924,849. The teachings of these patents are incorporated by referenceherein. The devices disclosed in these patents are primarily haircurling irons and are heated by burning a hydrocarbon fuel such asbutane. The butane is provided in convenient cartridges. The cartridgesare slid or screwed into the device, and upon user actuation, a valve onthe cartridge is opened. Fuel from the cartridge vaporizes, is ignited,and burns to heat a heating element. All of these patents list a numberof different devices in which the cordless heating appliance can beimplemented, and “baby bottle warmer” is among the items on the list.However, these patents do not teach or suggest how one might implementthat invention in a baby bottle warming device, nor do they address theextremely important deficiency of the baby bottle warming field ofoverheating.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is an object of the invention to provide a portable device forwarming substantially liquid foods such as baby formula, soup, sake, andthe like.

[0012] It is another object of the invention to provide a portabledevice for warming substantially liquid foods which is safe and easilyset for different foods or different containers.

[0013] It is another object of the invention to provide a device forwarming baby bottles and the like in a foolproof manner in whichoverheating is easily avoided.

[0014] The above and other objects are fulfilled by the invention, whichis a portable food warmer. In one embodiment, the device has a firstreceptacle for receiving fuel and a second receptacle dimensioned toreceive either food or a container of food. A fuel pathway lies betweenthe first and second receptacles, and a timer selectively allows flow offuel along the fuel pathway from the first receptacle to the secondreceptacle for a predeterminable period of time. When the fuel isignited, the ignited fuel is burned at the second end of the fuelpathway, heats the second receptacle, which in turn heats a container offood disposed therein.

[0015] The fuel is preferably a valved cartridge of hydrocarbon fuelsuch as butane. The device preferably includes a plunger projecting atleast partially into the first receptacle and mechanically coupled tothe timer to selectively engage a valve of a fuel cartridge disposed inthe first receptacle when the timer is activated.

[0016] The timer and the plunger are preferably connected via a leverarm movable between a first position and a second position. When thetimer is activated, the lever arm is in the first position and allowsthe plunger to engage a fuel cartridge valve in the first receptacle.When the timer shuts off, the lever arm is in the second position,engages the plunger, and prevents the plunger from engaging a valve of afuel cartridge disposed in the first receptacle. The preferred mechanismfor moving the lever arm between its two positions is a rotatable camwheel having a first radius and a second radius smaller than the firstradius against which the lever arm is biased. When the timer isactivated, the lever arm engages the first radius, and when the timershuts off, the lever arm engages the second radius.

[0017] Alternatively or in addition, a valve may be disposed in the fuelpathway and coupled to the timer. When the timer is activated, the valveis opened, and when the timer shuts off, the valve is closed.

[0018] The timer may be provided with a plurality of preset periods,each of the preset periods corresponding to at least one of a differentcontainer and a different type of food. For example, certain babybottles may require four minutes to heat, whereas other baby bottles mayrequire six minutes. Also, heating soup may require substantially longertime, since soup is typically eaten at significantly higher temperaturesthan is baby formula.

[0019] The invention also contemplates a container, specifically adaptedto fit in the second receptacle, for receiving a quantity of liquid orsubstantially liquid foods. In addition, food may be placed directly inthe second receptacle for heating if a separate container is notdesired.

[0020] In another embodiment, an electric food warmer is provided havingan adapter for connection to a power source and an electric heatingelement connected to the power source. A receptacle adapted to receivefood is provided in thermal communication with the heating element, anda timer is coupled to the heating element so as to selectively activatethe heating element for a predeterminable period of time. When theheating element is activated, the heating element heats the receptacle,which in turn heats food disposed therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is a right perspective view of a food warmer in accordancewith the invention.

[0022]FIG. 2 is a front view of the device shown in FIG. 1.

[0023]FIG. 3 is a side sectional view taken along the line III-III ofFIG. 2.

[0024]FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3.

[0025]FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a timing mechanism inaccordance with the invention.

[0026]FIG. 6 is a top view of the timing mechanism of FIG. 5.

[0027]FIG. 7 is a rear sectional view of the timing mechanism and aportion of the fuel pathway of a device in accordance with theinvention.

[0028] FIGS. 8A-C are schematic views of various timing mechanisms inaccordance with the invention.

[0029]FIG. 9 is a schematic of an electric embodiment of a portable foodwarmer in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Description of the invention will now be given with reference tothe appended FIGS. 1-9. It should be noted that these figures areexemplary in nature and in no way serve to limit the scope of theinvention, which is defined by the claims appearing hereinbelow.

[0031] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, food warmer 5 includes ahousing 10; in the embodiment shown, housing 10 is made of a mainhousing section 12 and a bottom housing section 14. Bottom housing 14may be provided with feet 16 upon which device 5 rests. The provision offeet 16 is preferred, because bottom housing 14 is provided with vents(not shown) to allow for the escape of combustion products and the entryof air; feet 16 allow for improved ventilation via the vents. Of course,any configuration of housing 10 is contemplated as being within thescope of the invention. The exterior of device 5 also includes anignition button 18 and a timer knob 20, the purposes and functions ofwhich will be explained hereinbelow.

[0032] Food warming device 5 includes two receptacles 30 and 40.Receptacle 30 is adapted to receive a container of food such as a babybottle, a jar of baby food, a container of sake or soup, or the like.Receptacle 30 may also receive a container specially designed to be usedwith food warmer 5. Receptacle 40 is adapted to receive a portablesource of fuel such as a cartridge 100 containing a hydrocarbon fuelsuch as butane. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,699,123; 4,733,651; 4,815,441; and4,924,849 describe a type of cartridge contemplated for use in theinstant device 5; the teachings of this cartridge are incorporated byreference herein.

[0033] The device 5 in accordance with the invention is shown in sectionin FIGS. 3 (overall) and 4 (timing and fuel pathway). Receptacle 30includes a heat exchanger 32 into which a food container may bedisposed. Heat exchanger 32 is preferably constructed from a thinmaterial having high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum. Heat issupplied beneath heat exchanger (e.g., aluminum tub) 32, and the heat isconducted up the walls of heat exchanger 32. When a food container isplaced inside receptacle 30, heat is transferred from the warm/hot heatexchanger 32 to the container and thence to the food inside thecontainer.

[0034] Receptacle 40 forms the beginning of the fuel pathway of thedevice. Disposed in the bottom of receptacle 40 is hub 42 for securelyreceiving cartridge 100. In the example shown in the figures, hub 42 isprovided with screw threads 44 which matingly engage screw threads 104on cartridge 100. Other known means of securing cartridge 100 with hub42 are contemplated, for example, providing one of the hub and thecartridge with one or more pins and the other with one or morecorresponding L-shaped grooves, some form of detent mechanism, or thelike.

[0035] Projecting through hub 42 is a reciprocatable plunger 46 adaptedto engage valve 102 on a cartridge 100 secured to hub 42. Preferably,the plunger is attached to a plunger boss 48 which is connectable to amechanism for selectively raising and lowering plunger 46 into and outof hub 42 and thus into and out of engagement with valve 102.

[0036] When the plunger engages valve 102, pressurized fuel from thecartridge 100 exits valve 102 and enters the fuel pathway. Preferably,the fuel pathway includes a pressure regulator 50 to regulate the flowof fuel so that it remains constant despite the continual change inpressure of the cartridge as the fuel gets depleted. Part of thepressure regulation process includes the biasing of plunger 46 upwardsinto hub 42 (the plunger spring is not shown). Pressure regulator 50includes diaphragm 51, venturi 52, stem 53, and filter 55, substantiallyas described in US Pat. Nos. 4,699,123; 4,733,651; 4,815,441; and4,924,849 (the teachings of which are incorporated by reference). Uponexiting pressure regulator 50, the fuel (actually an air/fuel mixture atthis point) enters tubing 54, which is preferably made of silicone, andis transported to burner 56 disposed inside combustion box 58.

[0037] It is within combustion box 58 that the fuel is ignited toprovide heat for the warming of the baby bottle/food. As best shown inFIG. 7, electrode wire 17 is connected to ignition button 18 at one endand to combustion box 58 at the other end. Another electrode (not shown)is also connected to the ignition button and projects into (but is notin electrical contact with) combustion box 58. Ignition button 18 isattached to a piezo-electric device (not shown), so that when button 18is depressed, a spark is generated between combustion box 58 and theother electrode. This spark ignites fuel exiting from burner 56 andcause the fuel to burn. A flame arrester 59 is preferably disposedwithin combustion box 58 to prevent flames from exiting therefrom. Onepreferred flame arrester is a metal mesh screen which allows theproducts of combustion to exit and air to enter the combustion box 58 toenable continued burning of the fuel without suffocating the flame fromlack of oxygen. A window 19 in bottom housing 14 (see FIGS. 1 and 7)allows the user to see the glow of the flame and/or a screen (not shown)in the burner so that the user knows when the device is on.

[0038] Since the flow of fuel is preferably regulated to be constant soas to provide a constant rate of heat transfer from combustion box 58 toheat exchanger 32 and the contents of receptacle 30, the amount of heattransferred to receptacle 30 (and thus the temperature of the contentstherein) may be regulated by selecting a given amount of time forburning the fuel. To wit, a timer is provided in the instant invention;it is best seen in FIGS. 4-7. Knob 20 is attached to a timing shaft 22which, in turn, is connected to timing mechanism 24. Mechanism 24 isshown in box form, as use of a standard, conventional timing mechanismis contemplated. In the preferred embodiment, a timing mechanism havingan escapement and a torsion spring is utilized. However, it is alsocontemplated that an electronic timer may be used instead. In eitherevent, timing mechanism 24 is preferably housed in timing case 25 (seeFIG. 5, e.g.). Rotation of knob 20 rotates timing shaft 22 and activatestiming mechanism 24.

[0039] Disposed on the end of timing shaft 22 opposite knob 20 is a camwheel 26. Can wheel 26 is provided with an outer diameter and an innerdiameter; in the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, for example,the inner diameter is provided in the form of notch 26A formed in camwheel 26. Notch 26A is aligned with the “zero time” or “off” position ofthe timer. The change in diameter of the cam wheel over itscircumference need not be in the form of a notch; instead, it may beprovided by a projection, a ramped portion, or similar structure.

[0040] Lever arm 28 is attached to timing case 25 in a cantilevermanner. As best seen in FIG. 6, end 27A is pivotably fixed to timingcase 25, while end 27B may move up and down (into and out of the page ofFIG. 6, up and down in FIG. 4). End 27B of lever arm 28 is biased by aspring (not shown) so as to pull lever arm 28 downward into engagementwith cam wheel 26 at all times. Lever arm projection 29 protrudes fromlever arm 28 out of timing case 25. The proximal end of projection 29engages the rim of cam wheel 26, and the distal end of projection 29 ismechanically coupled to plunger boss 48, as shown best in FIGS. 4 and 7.

[0041] When the timer is off, lever arm projection is pulled downward bythe lever arm spring in notch 26A on cam wheel 26. The downward force ofthe lever arm spring is much stronger than the upward force of theplunger spring; thus, lever arm projection 29 pulls plunger boss 48downward and prevents plunger 46 from engaging valve 102. When the timeris activated, projection 29 rides up one side of notch 26A and comes torest on the outer diameter of cam wheel 26. When this occurs, lever arm28 moves upwards, and the downward force pulling on plunger boss 48 isalleviated. As such, the upward biasing force of the plunger spring isfree to pull plunger 46 upwards and into engagement with valve 102 of acartridge disposed in hub 42. When plunger 46 engages valve 102, fuel isallowed to flow into the fuel pathway. One or more depressions ofignition button 18 will ignite the fuel at burner 56, and heat exchanger32 will heat up. As time progresses, cam wheel 26 and timer shaft 22rotate. When the timer reaches its zero time position, lever armprojection 29 is pulled into cam wheel notch 26A, and the distal end ofprojection 29 pulls downward on plunger boss 48 to remove plunger 46from hub 42 and engagement with valve 102. The flow of fuel—as well asthe generation of heat—ceases. The provision of an “instant-off” heatsource allows for a method of precisely heating food that does notrequire constant monitoring to avoid the dangers of overheating.

[0042] Various embodiments of the timer are shown in FIGS. 8A-C. In FIG.8A, the time is measured in minutes. The user determines how long hewishes to run the device, turns knob 20 to the desired minute indicator,and the timer runs for that predetermined amount of time. In thealternative, the timer may be provided with a plurality of presetperiods, each of the preset periods corresponding to at least one of adifferent container and a different type of food. For example, in FIG.8B, the timer is shown being used exclusively in connection with a babybottle warmer. Different brands of baby bottles are shown; the user needonly match up the knob with the correct brand name, and the device willrun for an amount of time suitable for that brand. Multiple scales maybe provided depending on the start temperature of the baby bottle (e.g.,refrigerated or 5° C., room temperature or 20° C., etc.). Finally, asshown in FIG. 8C, the timer is shown in connection with a multi-purposefood warming device, listing different foods instead of differentcontainer brand names. These timer concepts may be intertwined as well.

[0043]FIG. 9 depicts a schematic of an electric version of the instantinvention. Instead of utilizing a hydrocarbon fuel source such asbutane, food warmer 205 is plugged into a source of power via poweradapter 242, for example, a cigarette lighter in an automobile. Warmer205 may even be adapted to be plugged into a home wall outlet; eventhough such a design would defeat the portability of the device, itstill retains the ability not to overheat food since it possesses atimer as above. In any event, electric heating element 258 is in thermalcommunication with the food receptacle. When the heating element isactivated, the food is warmed.

[0044] A timing circuit 224 controls the period of time during whichheating element 258 is activated. The user may program timing circuit224 via timer controls 220. Timing circuit 224 may be a computer chip, aprogrammable logic controller, or a mechanical timer as described above.Timer controls 220 may be a keypad, a touch screen, or a mechanicalcontrol such as a knob as above.

[0045] In operation, the user places the food in the food receptacle andmanipulates timer controls 220 to control the operation of timingcircuit 224. Timing circuit 224 causes the device to draw power viapower adapter 242 to activate heating element 258. Heating element 258generates heat which warms the food in the food receptacle. When thetimer reaches zero time, the heating element is deactivated, and heat isno longer transferred into the food.

[0046] The invention is not limited to the above description. Forexample, as mentioned above, a spring biases the plunger in an upwarddirection, and another stronger spring biases the timer lever armprojection in a downward direction. When the lever arm rides along theouter diameter of the cam wheel, the lever arm is not in contact withthe plunger structure, and the plunger is allowed to be biased upwardsby the plunger spring. When the clock hits zero, the timer lever armsits above and is pulled into a notch in the wheel by the timer spring,thereby pulling the plunger out of engagement with the cartridge. Thetiming mechanism may instead employ one spring and one lever. The springwould bias the lever to push in the plunger, and the cam wheel wouldhave a high spot at the OFF position to lift the lever away from theplunger. As a further embodiment, the plunger and the end of the leverarm may be integrated, so that when the timer is not at zero, theproximal end of the lever arm rides on the outer diameter of the camwheel, causing the distal end to be raised, which raises the plungerupwards (since the plunger is now integral with the distal end of thelever arm). Then, when the timer hits zero, the proximal end falls bygravity into the notch (or otherwise reduced diameter) of the cam wheel,and the plunger at the distal end also falls out of engagement with thecartridge valve. However, one spring is required for the pressureregulator. Its elimination would result in unregulated gas flow.

[0047] The timing mechanism also need not have a lever. In onealternative embodiment, the regulator spring permanently biases theplunger toward cartridge, and a pin on the timer cam wheel is includedto lift the plunger directly.

[0048] Further, the timer disclosed in the preferred embodiment is amechanical timer. It is also contemplated to utilize an electronic timerin the invention. Connected to a valve in the fuel flow path, when thetimer is activated, the timer sends a signal to open the valve, and whenthe timer shuts off, it sends a signal to close the valve. Such anembodiment might include a battery to operate the valve. The valvepreferably fails closed in the event the batteries fail.

[0049] In addition, the food warmer shown includes a receptacle forreceiving a cartridge of fuel. However, the device may instead have afuel receptacle that directly receives a quantity of fuel in the mannerof a reservoir. Similarly, the food warmer has been described asreceiving a container of food. However, it is also contemplated that theinvention includes a use and an embodiment in which the food is placeddirectly in the receptacle and warmed.

[0050] Having described the invention with reference to the drawings, itshould be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited bythe drawings but rather is defined by the claims appearing hereinbelow.Variations and modifications to the above description that would beobvious to one skilled in the art are contemplated as within the scopeof the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable food warmer, comprising: a firstreceptacle for receiving fuel; a second receptacle adapted to receive acontainer of food; a fuel pathway between said first and secondreceptacles, said fuel pathway having a first end in communication withsaid first receptacle and a second end in thermal communication withsaid second receptacle; and a timer, coupled to said fuel pathway,selectively allowing flow of fuel along said fuel pathway from saidfirst receptacle to said second receptacle for a predeterminable periodof time, wherein when fuel is ignited, the ignited fuel is burned atsaid second end of said fuel pathway, heats said second receptacle,which in turn heats a container of food disposed therein.
 2. A portablefood warmer according to claim 1, wherein said first receptacle isadapted to receive a hydrocarbon fuel cartridge having a valve.
 3. Aportable food warmer according to claim 2, further comprising a plungerprojecting at least partially into said first receptacle andmechanically coupled to said timer to selectively engage a valve of afuel cartridge disposed in said first receptacle when said timer isactivated.
 4. A portable food warmer according to claim 3, furthercomprising a plunger boss, reciprocatably adjacent said firstreceptacle, wherein said plunger is attached to said plunger boss.
 5. Aportable food warmer according to claim 3, said timer further comprisinga lever arm movable between a first position and a second position andhaving a projection mechanically coupleable to said plunger.
 6. Aportable food warmer according to claim 4, said timer further comprisinga lever arm movable between a first position and a second position andhaving a projection mechanically coupleable to said plunger boss.
 7. Aportable food warmer according to claim 5, wherein when said timer isactivated, said lever arm is in said first position and allows saidplunger to engage a valve of a fuel cartridge disposed in said firstreceptacle.
 8. A portable food warmer according to claim 7, wherein whensaid timer shuts off, said lever arm is in said second position, engagessaid plunger, and prevents said plunger from engaging a valve of a fuelcartridge disposed in said first receptacle.
 9. A portable food warmeraccording to claim 8, further comprising a cam wheel having a firstradius and a second radius smaller than said first radius, said leverarm being biased against said cam wheel, wherein when said timer isactivated, said lever arm engages said first radius, and when said timershuts off, said lever arm engages said second radius.
 10. A portablefood warmer according to claim 9, wherein said second radius is formedas a notch in said cam wheel.
 11. A portable food warmer according toclaim 9, wherein said lever arm is biased against said cam wheel.
 12. Aportable food warmer according to claim 11, wherein said plunger isbiased towards said first receptacle and wherein when said lever armengages said second radius, said lever arm overrides said bias of saidplunger and withdraws said plunger at least partially from said firstreceptacle.
 13. A portable food warmer according to claim 1, whereinsaid second receptacle is adapted to receive a baby bottle.
 14. Aportable food warmer according to claim 2, further comprising a pressureregulator interposed into said fuel pathway, wherein said pressureregulator maintains constant fuel pressure to maintain constanttemperature in said second receptacle.
 15. A portable food warmeraccording to claim 1, wherein said second receptacle is an aluminum tub.16. A portable food warmer according to claim 1, further comprising aheat exchanger disposed below said second receptacle substantiallysurrounding said second end of said fuel pathway, wherein the fuel isignited and burned within said heat exchanger.
 17. A portable foodwarmer according to claim 1, further comprising a valve disposed in saidfuel pathway and coupled to said timer, wherein when said timer isactivated, said valve is opened, and when said timer shuts off, saidvalve is closed.
 18. A portable food warmer according to claim 1,wherein said timer is provided with a plurality of preset periods, eachof said preset periods corresponding to at least one of a differentcontainer and a different type of food.
 19. A portable baby bottlewarmer, comprising: a first receptacle for receiving fuel; a secondreceptacle adapted to receive a baby bottle; a fuel pathway between saidfirst and second receptacles, said fuel pathway having a first end incommunication with said first receptacle and a second end in thermalcommunication with said second receptacle; and timing means forselectively allowing flow of fuel along said fuel pathway from saidfirst receptacle to said second receptacle for a predeterminable periodof time, wherein when fuel is ignited, the ignited fuel is burned atsaid second end of said fuel pathway, heats said second receptacle,which in turn heats a container of food disposed therein.
 20. A portablebaby bottle warmer according to claim 19, wherein said first receptacleis adapted to receive a hydrocarbon fuel cartridge having a valve.
 21. Aportable baby bottle warmer according to claim 20, further comprising aplunger projecting at least partially into said first receptacle andmechanically coupled to said timing means to engage a valve of a fuelcartridge disposed in said first receptacle when said timing means isactivated.
 22. A portable baby bottle warmer according to claim 21,further comprising a lever arm connected to said timing means movablebetween a first position and a second position and having a projectionmechanically coupleable to said plunger, wherein when said timing meansis activated, said lever arm is in said first position and allows saidplunger to engage a valve of a fuel cartridge disposed in said firstreceptacle, and wherein when said timing means shuts off, said lever armis in said second position, engages said plunger, and moves said plungeraway from said second receptacle to thereby prevent said plunger fromengaging a valve of a fuel cartridge disposed in said first receptacle.23. A portable baby bottle warmer according to claim 22, furthercomprising a cam wheel having a first radius and a second radius smallerthan said first radius, said lever arm being biased against said camwheel, wherein when said timing means is activated, said lever armengages said first radius, and when said timing means shuts off, saidlever arm engages said second radius.
 24. A portable baby bottle warmeraccording to claim 23, wherein said plunger is biased towards said firstreceptacle and wherein when said lever arm engages said second radius,said bias of said lever arm overrides said bias of said plunger andwithdraws said plunger at least partially from said first receptacle.25. A portable baby bottle warmer according to claim 19, furthercomprising a valve disposed in said fuel pathway and coupled to saidtiming means, wherein when said timing means is activated, said valve isopened, and when said timing means shuts off, said valve is closed. 26.A portable baby bottle warmer according to claim 19, wherein said timeris provided with a plurality of preset periods, each of said presetperiods corresponding to at least one of a different container and adifferent type of food.
 27. A portable baby bottle warmer in accordancewith claim 19, wherein said first receptacle comprises a reservoir forreceiving a hydrocarbon fuel.
 28. A portable food warmer, comprising: afirst receptacle for receiving fuel; a second receptacle adapted toreceive food; a fuel pathway between said first and second receptacles,said fuel pathway having a first end in communication with said firstreceptacle and a second end in thermal communication with said secondreceptacle; and a timer, coupled to said fuel pathway, selectivelyallowing flow of fuel along said fuel pathway from said first receptacleto said second receptacle for a predeterminable period of time, whereinwhen fuel is ignited, the ignited fuel is burned at said second end ofsaid fuel pathway, heats said second receptacle, which in turn heatsfood disposed therein.
 29. A portable food warmer according to claim 28,wherein said second receptacle is adapted to receive a baby bottle. 30.A portable food warmer according to claim 28, wherein said secondreceptacle is an aluminum tub.
 31. A portable food warmer according toclaim 27, wherein said timer is provided with a plurality of presetperiods, each of said preset periods corresponding to at least one of adifferent food container and a different type of food.
 32. A foodwarmer, comprising: an adapter for connection to a power source; anelectric heating element connected to said power source; a receptacleadapted to receive food, said receptacle in thermal communication withsaid heating element; and a timer, coupled to said heating element,selectively activating said heating element for a predeterminable periodof time, wherein when said heating element is activated, said heatingelement heats said receptacle, which in turn heats food disposedtherein, and wherein when said heating element is deactivated, heat issubstantially no longer transferred to the food.
 33. A food warmeraccording to claim 32, wherein said receptacle is adapted to receive ababy bottle.
 34. A food warmer according to claim 32, wherein saidsecond receptacle is an aluminum tub.
 35. A food warmer according toclaim 32, wherein said timer is provided with a plurality of presetperiods, each of said preset periods corresponding to at least one of adifferent container and a different type of food.